Photographic copying apparatus



May 29, 1956 D. L. BABCOCK ET AL PHOTOGRAPHIC COPYING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 27, 1952 L/OU/D LEVEL/DJ Fig.2

3 DAV/D L. BABCOCK MATTHEW IV. NOWAK JNVENTORS ATTORNEYS May 29, 1956 BABCOCK ET AL 2,747,479

PHOTOGRAPHIC COPYING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 27, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 3

DAV/D L. BABCOCK MATTHEW N. NOW/1K IN V EN TORS ATTORNEYS PHQTOGRrsH-HC C(DPYING APPARATUS navid L. hiabcocir and Matthew N. Nowak, Rochester, N. Y., assignors to Eastman Kodak Company, Roelb ester, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application September 27, 1952, Serial No. 311,914

12 Claims. (Cl. 95--89) -This invention relates to photographic reproduction and more particularly to a photographic copying apparatus. Specifically, it relates to a photographic processing and image-transfer device whereby an exposed sensitized photographic sheet may be processed in a suitable liquid and withdrawn in contact with a second sheet, which is non-sensitized, to cause transfer of an image from the first sheet to the second.

In United States Patent No. 2,596,756, granted May 13, 1952, Henry C. Yutzy and Edward C. Yackel describe a process wherein a film or paper support, coated with a substantially unhardened silver halide gelatin emulsion containing a pigment or dye and a tanning develop ing agent, is exposed to a suitable two-tone subject, such as a line or half-tone subject, after which the sensitized film or paper is processed by immersion in an alkaline solution. This processing results in the developing of the exposed image and the simultaneous hardening or tanning of the gelatin in the exposed and developed areas. Thereafter, the excess fluid is squeegeed from the processed sheet which is then pressed, while still moist, into contact with a non-sensitized sheet of paper having an absorbent surface. Upon separating the two sheets, it will be found that a stratum of the unexposed and, therefore, unhardened areas of emulsion layer has been transferred to the sheet of absorbent paper. This process thus produces a direct-positive image. Moreover, although the image is immediately discernable upon separation of the two sheets because of the pigment or dye in the transferred emulsion, this image will darken further upon exposure to light since the transferred emulsion also contains sensitized silver halide together with the developing agent and has carried over with it some of the alkaline solution of the processing bath.

This process is especially useful since it permits making several reproductions from the exposure of a single sensitized sheet. This is possible because in the transfer of unhardened gelatin to the absorbent sheet only a stratum thereof is carried over. The processed sheet may be again wetted in the alkaline solution, squeegeed and pressed against a second absorbent sheet whereby a second stratum of the unhardened gelatin will be transferred. It is possible to repeat this a number of times before the unhardened gelatin is exhausted to the extent that no longer are acceptable copies obtainable.

Since the specific composition of the emulsion, as well as a number of modifications thereof, and the chemistry of the process are fully disclosed in the above-identified patent and actually form no part of the present invention, we have omitted such data in this specification. We refer to this process, however, in that the apparatus disclosed below, which comprises the present invention, is particularly adapted for use in this process and in such variations thereof as may occur to those skilled in this art.

The apparatus described herein comprises an improvement over the apparatus disclosed by Henry C. Yutzy and Guy D. Aydlett in United States Patent No. 2,666,384,

granted January 19, 1954. In the latter there is disclosed apparatus for carrying out in a simple and effective manner the several steps of the process described above. This apparatus includes a processing tank or tray and means for supporting the absorbent, non-sensitized paper or image-receiving sheet above the liquid level in said tank and in such position relative to the exposed sensitized sheet, which has been immersed in the solution in said tank, that, as both sheets are simultaneously withdrawn from the apparatus, a simple, manually-operable mechanism squeegees the excess solution from the processed sensitized sheet and immediately thereafter presses this processed sheet into intimate contact with the imagereceiving sheet to effect the transfer of an image. A deficiency inherent in this apparatus, however, results from the fact that the spacing between the squeegee, which removes excess solution from the processed sheet, and the roller, which presses the two sheets into intimate contact, remains constant as these elements are moved from operative to inoperative position and the design of the apparatus is such that in the operative position these elements must be relatively close together. This makes difficult the threading of the end of the image-receiving sheet between the roller and the squeegee prior to the operation of the mechanism and makes it all but impossible to employ the sheet supporting means above the tank as a storage device for a stack of sheets which may be withdrawn, one by one, either manually or automatically with each operation of the roller and squeegee mechanism. The apparatus of the present invention removes this difficulty by employing a particular linkage between the squeegee and pressure roller elements which permits these to become separated a relatively greater distance as these are simultaneously rotated into an inoperative position. This not only facilitates the threading of the image-receiving sheets between the squeegee and pressure roller but, as will be later described, allows a quantity of image-receiving sheets to be tacked upon the supporting means above the processing tank from which single sheets may be withdrawn as they are required.

The roller and squeegee mechanism of the present invention not only makes it possible to squeegee the excess solution from the processed sensitized sheet and immedi ately thereafter press this sheet into intimate contact with the image-receiving sheet by means of a single manipulation of the mechanism but includes a novel arrangement of the eflements thereof which insures adequate pressure of the squeegee upon the processed sheet and automati cally provides a uniform pressure of the roller across the width of the two superposed sheets as these are withdrawn from the apparatus to insure more uniformity in the intensity of the transferred image. This uniform pressure is obtainable even though in the original assembly of the apparatus certain of the elements may not have been precisel yaligned or the original alignment may have been disturbed by subsequent misuse or wear.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved photographic copying apps ratus.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved processin and image-transfer appuratus which is adapted for the production of a plurality of copies from the exposure of a singie sensitized sheet.

it is a still further object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the character described which includes novel manually-operable means which by a single manipulation both squeegees the excess liquid from the processed sensitized sheet and immediately thereafter presses this sheet into contact with the image-receiving sheet as the two sheets are withdrawn from the apparatus.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide such a manually-operable, pressure roller and squeegee mechanism having a novel linkage which permits the roller and squeegee elements to become separated a relatively greater distance as these are simultaneously rotated from an operative to an inoperative position to facilitate the threading of an image-receiving sheet therebetween for the next transfer operation.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the character described which insures adequate pressure of the squeegee upon the processed sheet when the pressure and squeegee mechanism has been rotated into operative position.

it is a still further object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the character described wherein the roller when rotated into operative position is caused to automatically exert and maintain a uniform pressure across the width of the two superposed sheets as these are withdrawn from the apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and it will be understood that many changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. We, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the exact details shown and described as the preferred form only has been shown by way of illustration.

in the drawings:

In Fig. l is a vertical sectional view of one end of a processing and image-transfer apparatus taken through the roller and squeegee mechanism and illustrating the latter rotated into an inoperative position.

Fig. 2 is a similar sectional view showing the same mechanism rotated into operative position and illustrating further the manner in which the senitized and imagereceiving sheets are operated upon by the roller and squeegee.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the roller and squeegee mechanism, illustrating the relative positioning of the roller and squeegee arms and the handle means and the manner in which these are interconnected.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention,

shown in Figs. 1 to 3, includes the tank 10 in which the exposed sensitized sheet 11 is processed, the shelf 12 for supporting the image-receiving sheet 13, or rather a quantity or stack of such non-sensitized sheets, above the liquid level in said tank, and the mechanism 14, the manual operation of which functions to squeegee the excess liquid from the processed sheet and to immediately thereafter press this sheet into intimate contact with a non-sensitized sheet, as the two sheets are withdrawn from the apparatus.

The tank 10 is provided at one end with an opening 15 through which the exposed sensitized sheet 11 may be inserted in the tank. A projection 16 extending upwardly from the bottom of the tank adjacent to the opening 15 provides a transverse, downwardly sloping surface 17 which is adapted to extend above the liquid level in the tank. integral with the projection 16 are a plurality of spaced ribs 18 wihch run longitudinally of the tank, the upper surfaces of the ribs forming a continuation of the inclined surface 17 and serving as guides for the insertion of the sensitized sheet into the tank. A horizontal partition 19 functions as a cover for the tank, extending longitudinally from one end to the opening 15 at the other end. A series of fins 20 are suspended from the horizontal partition 19 and are so shaped that a sheet of sensitized materal passed through the tank opening 15 is immediately forced below the level of the processing solution by the fins which thus insure the immersion of the entire sheet with the exception of the end thereof which is intended to be grasped by the fingers of the operator. The ribs 18 are staggered laterally with respect to the fins 20 and together with these define a path for the sensitized sheet through the solution as will be apparent from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 2.

The shelf 12 is positioned above the partition 19 and is adapted to support a stack of image-receiving sheets above the liquid level within the tank. It is also positioned relative to the roller and squeegee mechanism 14 whereby the individual image-receiving sheets will be readily accessible to the operator and may be easily threaded between the pressure roller 21 and the squeegee 22 of said mechanism when the latter is rotated into inoperative position, as will be described below.

The mechanism 14 comprises a pair of arms 23 which are mounted on the shaft or spindle 24, the latter being journalled in the sides of the processing and image-transfer apparatus. Actually, the arms 23 are provided with hearing sleeves 25 which are rotatably mounted upon the spindle 24 but are constrained from rotation thereon by resilient connections between the arms and the spindle. These connections comprise elongated resilient elements 26, an end of each of which extends into a transverse bore 27 in the spindle 24, the other end being supported in a notched element 28 which is struck or punched from the arm 23 and which extends at right angles thereto. The said other end of the resilient element has a right-angle bend at a point beyond where it lies in the notched element, the bent end passing through an aperture in the arm 23. This arrangement effects a resilient connection between the shaft 24 and each arm 23 for a purpose which will be later explained, while permitting the arms 23 to be rotated by rotation of the spindle 24. Actual rotation of the latter is manually effected by the operator by means of the crank 29 and handle 30 assembly noted in Fig. 3. Such a crank and handle assembly may be fixedly secured to one or both ends of the spindle 24. In the free ends of the arms 23 is journalled the roller shaft 31 on which is mounted the rubber pressure roller 21.

At a point on each arm 23 intermediate the end in which the roller shaft is journalled and the end mounting the bearing sleeve 25 is secured a pivot 33 on which is mounted an arm 34. A spacing sleeve or washer 35 is positioned on the pivot 33 to space the arm 34 inwardly from arm 23 for clearance purposes and to provide a friction-free bearing between arms 34 and 23 whereby arm 34 is freely rotatable relative to arm 23. Each of the arms 34 has at its free end a bracket 36 to which is adapted to be secured the squeegee 22. The latter is formed of several superposed strips of very flexible rubber in much the same manner as windshield wipers are constructed.

The roller and squeegee mechanism 14 is adapted to be rotated between operative and inoperative positions by means of the handle mechanism and stops (not shown) are ordinarily employed to engage the handle means at the extremes of its rotation. Such stops in their simplest form may comprise projecting elements fixed to the ap paratus which are adapted to be engaged by the handle means to restrict its rotation within a predetermined angle to preclude damage to the apparatus. in its inoperative position the mechanism l i occupies the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3'. In this position, it will be noted, both the roller 21 and squeegee 22 have been lifted out of contact with the sloping or inclined surface 17. the roller being raised well above the stack of non-sensitized. image-receiving sheets 1.3 and the squeegee being drawn clear of the opening 15. The latter permits the ready insertion of an exposed sensitized sheet into the tank. It will also be noted that with the mechanism 14 rotated into inoperative position the separation between the Squeegee 22 and roller 21 reaches its maximum value which facilitates the threading of a sheet of iinage-re-- ceiving paper 13 from the stack supported upon the shelf 12 between the roller and squeegee preparatory to making a print. In addition to facilitating the threading of individual sheets between the roller and squeegee, this increased separation between roller and squeegee pergrants niits the use of a considerable stack of sheets 13 from which single sheets may be withdrawn from the top thereof as required. It will be noted that the separation between roller and squeegee in the apparatus described by Yutzy and Aydlett in United States Patent No. 2,666,384, above referred to, is such that that apparatus is not adapted for the handling of a stack of imagereceiving sheets but on the contrary is described as being adapted to receive a single sheet or" such paper upon the support above the liquid level in the tank preparatory to the making of each individual print.

In rotating the pair of arms 23 from an inoperative to the operative position, illustrated in Fig. 2, the separation between the roller 21 and squeegee Z2 is reduced until both of these make contact with the sloping surface 17 or, more correctly, with the ends of the sheets 11 and 13 which are thus pressed against the surface 17. This is accomplished automatically by means which guide the free ends of arms 34 toward the sloping surface 117 while restricting the free rotation of the arms 34. Such means comprise a pair of upstanding projections 38 which are adapted to be slidingly engaged by laterally projecting pins 39, one of which is fixed to each of the arms 34. It will be apparent that as the arms 23 are rotated toward an operative position the pins 39 slide along the top of projections 38 carrying the squeegee to a point at which it is poised above the sloping surface 17. At this point the projections 38 are provided with a break or notch 40 in their upper surface which permits the pins 39 to suddenly drop whereby the squeegee will make contact with the sloping surface 17 or rather with the sensitized sheet which lies thereon. The notch 49 is of sufficient depth that the pin 39 does not bottom therein which assures the squeegee making good contact with the surface 17 or paper 11. To assure adequate pressure of the squeegee upon the paper, the arms 23 near the end of their rotation themselves engage the pins 39 to forceably press down the arms 34 and provide pressure contact between the squeegee and the sensitized sheet. A notch 41 is provided in the arms 23 at the point at which the pins are engaged by the arms, its depth being determined from dimensional considerations.

It is conceivable that due to an unintentional misalignment of the roller 21 with the sloping surface 17, the roller will not exert a uniform pressure across the width of the superposed sheets Ill and 13 as these are withdrawn from the apparatus, resulting in a possible lack of uniformity of the density of the image transferred to sheet 13. The resilient connections between the arms 23 and the shaft or spindle 24, described above, will compensate to a very large degree for such lack of parallelism between the roller and the sloping surface. The arms 23 are independently journalled upon the shaft 24 and, because of the resilient element 26 which connects each arm to the shaft, it is possible for the arms 23 to rotate a few degrees with respect to each other. Thus, when the arms 23 are rotated to an operative position to transport the roller to a position in which it presses the superposed sheets 11 and 13 upon the sloping surface 17, should the pressure of the roller be non-uniform across its length because of a lack of parallelism between it and the sloping surface, the resilient elements 26 will cause each arm 23 to be rotated more or less than the other to correct the non-parallelism of the roller and equalize the pressure thereof across the width of the sheets of paper.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows. With the roller and squeegee mechanism 14 rotated to its inoperative position, the exposed sensitized sheet 11 is passed through the opening and immersed in the processing solution with the sensitized surface up, the end of the sheet protruding from the opening and overlying the sloping surface 17. After the required processing time has elapsed, the top sheet is withdrawn from the stack of image-receiving sheets 13 by grasping an end thereof 6 which is brought even with the end of the sensitized sheet which protrudes from the opening 15. With the sheet ends held together the handle 30 is rotated to bring the roller and squeegee mechanism into operative position. The squeegee, as noted in Fig. 2, in this position presses firmly upon the processed sheet 11 while the roller presses the two sheets into intimate contact immediately beyond the squeegee station. Adequate pressure of the squeegee and roller upon the papers is attained by the operator holding the handle firmly down and while so held the superposed sheets are withdrawn by the operator with a firm, steady pull. The two sheets may now be readily stripped apart with the result that a stratum of the unhardened gelatin has been transferred from the sensitized to the image-receiving sheet.

Although, as described herein, it is necessary for the operator to manually grasp the end of the top sheet 13 of the stack to draw this off the stack and between the roller and squeegee to bring the end thereof even with the end of the sensitized sheet 11 immersed in the processing solution, it is also possible to employ a paper feed mechanism which is operated automatically by the rotation of the arms 23. Such a device will slide the top sheet forward as the roller 21 begins its motion toward the sloping surface 17 which will facilitate the grasping of the sheet end by the operator. A device of this kind is disclosed and claimed in the pending application for United States patent, Serial No. 304,37l, filed August 14, 1952, by Guy D. Aydlett, now Patent No. 2,713,486.

Although we have not described the use of any temperature control means for use with the disclosed processing tank, it will be apparent that any conventional heating element, thermostat, heat exchange means, etc. may be utilized in the described apparatus according to the requirements of the process.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that we have provided means for obtaining all the objects and advantages of this invention.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof and having a sloping surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms rotatably connected to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the free ends of said arms, said roller being adapted to engage the sloping surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position. a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to support at least one of said second pair of arms adjacent the free end of the arm and to restrict the rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus thereby as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into contact with said sloping surface.

2. In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first arm rotatably connected at one end thereof to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to the other end of said arm, said roller being adapted to engage the transverse surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said arm is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arm is rotated into inoperative position, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm at a point intermediate that at which said roller is secured and that at which it is rotatably connected to the apparatus, a squeegee secured to the free end of said second arm, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to support the second arm adjacent the free end thereof and to restrict its rotation relative to the apparatus thereby as the first arm is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into contact with said transverse surface.

3. In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, a first pair of arms each rotatably connected at one of their ends to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the other ends of said pair of arms, means on said tank adapted to be engaged by the roller along a line parallel to the axis of the roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms at points intermediate those at which the roller is secured and those at which they are rotatably connected to the apparatus, a squeegee device secured between the free ends of the second pair of arms, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to support at least one of said second pair of arms adjacent the free end thereof and to restrict the rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus thereby as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee device is also guided into contact with said means on said tank.

4. In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end therof and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said open ing, a first pair of arms, each arm being rotatably connected at one of its ends to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the other ends of said pair of arms, said roller being adapted to engage the transverse surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of the roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms at points intermediate those at which the roller is secured and those at which the arms are rotatably connected to the apparatus, a squeegee secured between the free ends of the second pair of arms, a lateral projection on each of said latter arms, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to be slidingly engaged by the projections to restrict the rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into contact with said transverse surface.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said lateral projections are adapted to be engaged by said first pair I of arms when the latter are rotated into operative position whereby said squeegee is forceably pressed against said transverse surface.

6. 'In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof and having a sloping surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms, each arm being rotatably connected at one of its ends to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the other ends of said pair of arms, said roller being adapted to engage the sloping surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced there from when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms at points intermediate those at which the roller is secured and those at which the arms are rotatably connected to the apparatus, a squeegee secured between the free ends of the second pair of arms, a laterally projecting pin on each of said latter arms, guide means on the apparatus adapted to be slidingly engaged by the pins to restrict the rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into contact with said sloping surface, handle means, and a resilient connection between each of said first pair of arms and the handle means.

7. In a processing and image-transfer apparatus, a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a spindle journalled in the apparatus, handle means secured to the spindle, a first pair of arms, each arm having a bearing surface adjacent one end thereof by which it is rotatably mounted on the spindle, a resilient connection between the spindle and each of said arms by means of which the spindle is adapted to rotate said pair of arms into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the other ends of said pair of arms, said roller being adapted to engage the transverse surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, squeegee means secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to be engaged by at least one of the second pair of arms to restrict the rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee means is also guided into contact with said transverse surface.

8. A processing and image-transfer apparatus comprising a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof through which an exposed sensitized sheet may inserted into the tank and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms rotatably connected to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller rotatably secured to and positioned between the free ends of said arms, said roller being adapted to bear against the transverse surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, means for supporting an image-receiving sheet above the liquid level with an end of the sheet positioned between said roller and squeegee when said first pair of arms is in inoperative position, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to be slidingly engaged by said second pair of arms to restrict the ro tation of said latter pair of arms relative to the apparatus as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into a position in which it bears against said transverse surface.

9. A processing and image-transfer apparatus comprising a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof through which an exposed sensitized sheet may be inserted into the tank and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a spindle journalled in the apparatus having handle means thereon, a first pair of arms, each arm having a bearing adjacent one end thereof by which it is rotatably mounted on the spindle, a resilient connection between the spindle and each of said arms by means of which the spindle is adapted to rotate said pair of arms into operative and inoperative positions, a roller journalled in the other ends of said pair of arms, said roller being adapted to press against the transverse surface of the tank along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, means for supporting an image receiving sheet above the liquid level with an end of the sheet positioned between said roller and squeegee when said first pair of arms is in inoperative position, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to be slidingly engaged by said second pair of arms to restrict the rotation of the latter pair of arms relative to the apparatus as the first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position whereby the squeegee is also guided into a position in which it presses against said transverse surface.

10. A processing and image-transfer apparatus comprising a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof through which an exposed sensitized sheet may be inserted into the tank and having a transverse surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms rotatably connected to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a roller journalled in the free ends of said pair of arms, said roller being adapted to press against the sloping surface along a line parallel to the axis of said roller when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be substantially spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, means for supporting an image-receiving sheet above the liquid level with an end of the sheet positioned between said roller and squeegee when said first pair of arms is in inoperative position, a lateral projection on one of said second pair of arms, and guide means on the ap paratus adapted to be slidingly engaged by the projection whereby rotation of said second pair of arms relative to the apparatus is restricted and the squeegee is carried from a position in which it is substantially spaced from said sloping surface to one in which it presses against that surface as said first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position.

11. A processing and image-transfer apparatus comprising a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof through which an exposed sensitized sheet may be inserted into the tank and having a sloping surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms rotatably connected to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a pressure member secured between the free ends of said pair of arms, said pressure member being adapted to bear along its length against the sloping surface when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, means for supporting an image-receiving sheet above the liquid level with an end of the sheet positioned between said pressure member and squeegee when said first pair of arms is in inoperative position, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to support at least one of said second pair of arms whereby rotation of the second pair of arms relative to the apparatus is restricted and said squeegee is carried from a position in which it is spaced from said sloping surface to one in which it presses against that surface as said first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position.

12. A processing and image-transfer apparatus comprising a tank for containing a processing liquid, said tank having an opening above the liquid level at one end thereof through which an exposed sensitized sheet may be inserted into the tank and having a sloping surface at said end adjacent to said opening, a first pair of arms rotatably connected to the apparatus and adapted to be rotated into operative and inoperative positions, a pressure member secured between the free ends of said pair of arms, said pressure member being adapted to bear along its length against the sloping surface when said pair of arms is rotated into operative position and to be spaced therefrom when said arms are rotated into inoperative position, a second pair of arms pivotally connected to the first pair of arms, a squeegee secured to the free ends of the second pair of arms, means for supporting an image-receiving sheet above the liquid level with an end of the sheet positioned between said pressure member and squeegee when said first pair of arms is in inoperative position, a projection on each of said second pair of arms extending laterally into the plane of one of said first pair of arms, and guide means on the apparatus adapted to be slidingly engaged by said lateral projections whereby rotation of the second pair of arms relative to the apparatus is restricted and said squeegee is carried from a position in which it is spaced from said sloping surface to one in which it is forceably pressed against that surface as said first pair of arms is rotated from inoperative to operative position and into engagement with said lateral projections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 146,240 Field Jan. 6, 1874 416,628 Jewell Dec. 3, 1889 701,447 Yawman June 3, 1902 739,197 Mankiewicz Sept. 15, 1903 2,397,763 Streich Apr. 2, 1946 2,443,154 Wolff June 8, 1948 2,582,001 Bornemann et al. Jan. 8, 1952 2,652,759 Bornemann Sept. 22, 1953 2,666,384 Yutzy et al. Jan. 19, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 679,963 Germany Aug. 19, 1939 269,199 Switzerland Oct. 2, 1950 

